Douglas, Dilfer leave the building

The 49ers parted ways Thursday with defensive end Marques Douglas and quarterback Trent Dilfer, while entertaining linebacker Takeo Spikes on a free-agent visit.

Douglas, 31, who did not miss a start in three seasons with the 49ers, agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he said. Douglas ranked first in the league among defensive linemen in 2007 with 12 tackles for loss.

When the 49ers signed high-priced free agent Justin Smith earlier this month, it became apparent Douglas did not fit into the club's plans. Douglas was fourth on the 49ers with 100 tackles. He added three sacks, 16 quarterback pressures and four passes broken up.

Douglas expressed mixed emotions about joining the Buccaneers, whose defense ranked No. 2 in the NFL last season. He said he left unfinished business with the 49ers.

"Obviously, whenever you work so hard it's nice to be rewarded," Douglas said. "It's just that I was rewarded by another team. I wanted to leave the 49ers on a better note, but we didn't get back to winning. They'll just have to do it without me.

"I understand it's a business. I have no ill feelings toward the 49ers. I was there three years, they paid me well and they gave me a great opportunity. I gave a lot to the team and the community, and they gave me a lot back. They don't owe me anything."

The 49ers terminated Dilfer's contract. He was signed through the 2008 season after coming to the 49ers in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in 2006. The 49ers surrendered quarterback Ken Dorsey and a seventh-round draft pick for Dilfer.

Dilfer, 35, started six games last season in place of injured Alex Smith. The 49ers save $1.5 million on the salary cap with the move.

Dilfer missed the final 3½ games of the season with a concussion. He worked for the NFL Network during the Senior Bowl and Super Bowl, perhaps lining up his post-football career choice.

"Trent Dilfer is a true professional in every meaning of the word," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "He is one of the most respected players in the league for good reason. Trent has provided great value to our team over the past two years in terms of his leadership, knowledge of the game and play on the field."

The 49ers have four quarterbacks on their roster: Smith, Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan and Drew Olson.

The 49ers continue to be active in pursuing players who were recently cut, as evidenced by their flirtation with Spikes, 31, a 10-year professional. The Philadelphia Eagles released Spikes after he failed a team physical.

Spikes was second on the Eagles with 139 tackles last season. He missed the final two games with a torn rotator cuff.

The 49ers have already signed three recently released players: receiver Isaac Bruce (St. Louis), running back DeShaun Foster (Carolina) and return specialist Allen Rossum (Pittsburgh).

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.